There’s something so special about watching a family grow and change over time — and getting to document each sweet chapter along the way, including this East Beach family session, is truly one of my favorite parts of this job.

I’ve had the absolute joy of photographing this beautiful family since their now two-year-old was still growing in mama’s belly. From their maternity session to newborn snuggles, and now capturing this season as they prepare to welcome another precious little one — it’s been such an honor to preserve these milestones for them.

We met at East Beach, but since we’ve already done one beach session, chose to the gorgeous oak trees and beautiful blooms as their backdrop. The lawn provided lots of space for their busy little one to run, and we all had a bit of a workout keeping up with him!

The best part of photos with little ones is that they feel natural and joyful, and never overly posed. I photograph quickly and always have little games and fun prompts to keep them engaged! I bring my 14 year old daughter to nearly every session with toddlers so she can help me wrangle and evoke natural smiles- usually with a squeaky pirate chicken or a tickle from a long handled feather duster!

I’m so excited for this family to welcome another brother in the fall, for their big move to North Carolina!

While I’m a little sad to see them leave, I’m so incredibly happy for them as they enter this new season, surrounded by loved ones and with a new baby on the way. Documenting these fleeting moments is exactly why I love what I do — capturing the joy, the connection, and the sweet in-between that makes family life so beautiful.

📩 Let’s start planning your session! Fill out my contact form to get started.

If you’re ready to document your family’s next chapter, I’d love to create something beautiful for you, too. 💕

There’s something so magical about photographing dear friends as they await the arrival of their baby. This stunning garden maternity session was extra special—not just because of the sweet little boy on the way, but because it was captured during a winter getaway to Miami!

While our home in Chesapeake, VA was buried under a foot of snow, we were soaking in the sunshine, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant blooms. The unique architecture and dreamy gardens provided the most beautiful backdrop, and it was so fun to feel inspired again!

As much as I loved photographing this Miami session, there’s no place like home. If you’re expecting and dreaming of a light-filled, timeless maternity session, let’s plan something just as magical right here in Hampton Roads!

Ready to document this beautiful season of life? Fill out my contact form to book your maternity session!

This gorgeous blue linen Femme & Fawn dress is part of the JJP Client Closet and available for client use!

As a Virginia Beach mom who has gone through the newborn stage twice, I’ve gathered some unique ideas and tips that you might not have thought of before!

1. Declutter your home

Decluttering your home can sound like a daunting task, especially when you’re expecting a newborn! But it’s easier than you think to get your home ready for your newest addition.

Here are some steps to follow to declutter before baby arrives:

Step 1: Choose two or three rooms that you frequent most often (most likely this will be your living room, kitchen and bedroom).

Step 2: Start by noticing where things tend to pile up. For me, that’s always been counters and other horizontal surfaces. Find a new place for these items to go so they stop piling up!

Step 3: Let’s clear out what you don’t need or want anymore! Go through each drawer, cabinet and shelf and ask yourself, “Do I still need/want this item?”

Step 4: Make 3 piles, “Keep, Donate, Toss” and put everything into 1 of those piles.

Step 5: Organize the “keep” items, throw away the “toss” items (or recycle if possible) and give away the “donate.”

Turn on some music and make it fun! Ask a friend to come over and help.

By following these simple steps over the course of just a few days or a weekend, you can quickly create a stress-free and comfortable newborn-ready environment in your own home.

2. Batch cook

You may be blessed with a meal train for the first few weeks, but soon you’ll need to figure out how to feed your family while taking care of a baby who still needs lots of care! A few days of preparation can help so much when you’re in the hazy first few months of broken sleep, and you’ll be grateful you thought ahead!

The thought of cooking a ton of food in one go can be intimidating, but batch cooking is a lifesaver, especially when you’re getting ready to welcome your newborn into the world. You’ll thank yourself later!

Here are a few simple steps to follow to get started:

Step 1: Plan out simple meals. Choose recipes that are easy to make in large quantities, and make a list of all the ingredients you will need.

Step 2: Go grocery shopping/order your groceries if your energy is low. Try to do this a few days before you plan to start cooking, so you have everything you need on hand.

Step 3: Set aside a block of time to cook. Depending on how much you want to make, you may need several hours or even a full day to get everything done. Consider getting the help of a friend or family member to make it more fun!

Step 4: Cook in batches. Prepare one recipe at a time, and portion it out into individual servings. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and be sure to label everything with the name of the dish and the date it was made.

Step 5: Freeze your meals. Once everything is cooked and portioned out, place the containers in the freezer. They will keep for several months, so you can have a variety of meals ready to go whenever you need them.

By following these steps, you can create a stockpile of nutritious, homemade meals that will make the first few weeks with your newborn a little bit easier!

3. Stock up on essentials (& not just baby essentials)

You’re likely already thinking about things like diapers, wipes, bottles, etc.

But have you considered stocking up on regular household items like paper towels, toilet paper, dishwasher soap…?

My best tip would be to set these items up on Amazon Subscribe and Save or doing an Azure Standard order so they’ll show up on your doorstep and you never have to worry about running out those first few months with your newborn!

4. Put together a baby care basket

A baby care basket, or sometimes called a “downstairs” basket is a lifesaver those first few weeks home with a new baby.

Oftentimes, you’re in one space with the baby for most of the day and find yourself “trapped” under a sleeping baby without the supplies you need!

A baby care basket can solve that for you. Basically, it’s a container you can keep in each room of the house that has all the essentials for baby so you’re not running around from room to room getting the things you need.

Usually, the baby care basket includes diapers, wipes, burp cloths, extra clothes, pacifiers, and anything else you might need for the baby frequently.

I also like to think about including things for mom like nipple cream, breast pads, chapstick, etc.

In addition to keeping you from running from room to room, a baby care basket will help you stay organized and keep your home clutter free.

5. Light your home the right way

Maybe this is important to me because I’m a photographer, I don’t know but lighting is one I don’t see talked about too often!!

Proper lighting can help create a calm and comfortable atmosphere for both you and your baby.

First, look at the rooms you’ll spend the most time in (typically kitchen, living room, bedrooms). You’ll want to consider the type of lighting you have in each room.

• ●  Do you want to add a lamp option (yes, even in the kitchen)?
• ●  Under cabinet lights?
• ●  What about small amber wall plug in lights to help light the way in the halls for the middle of the night? The right lighting can help frustrating or overly stimulating situations feel much more calm and peaceful.

Something else to consider is that blue light from screens or overhead lighting can seriously disrupt sleep wake cycles, something that is so important for a new baby adjusting to the world! I love replacing a few light bulbs with warm yellow bulbs or even red light bulbs in the bedroom to provide enough light to care for baby at night while avoiding bright disruptive lights. My favorites are from Bon Charge– they’re pricy but a great investment for your whole family!

Finally, safety is also a consideration when it comes to lighting. Make sure that all cords and outlets are safely tucked away and secured to prevent tripping or electrical hazards.

6. Prepare YOUR wardrobe

Of course we’re thinking a lot about how to prepare for the baby, but don’t forget about yourself!

Preparing your wardrobe for the first 2-3 weeks postpartum is an important step in getting ready for the arrival of your new baby.

Comfort and functionality are key during this time! You’ll want to focus on loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that can accommodate changes in your body shape and allow for easy breastfeeding access if you plan to breastfeed.

Linen button up shirts or pajama sets are really great since they also help you stay cool/ wick moisture if you have any postpartum night sweats. Quince is a wonderful brand with sustainable, non-toxic and affordable options!

Consider investing in a few nursing bras, loose-fitting pants or leggings, and comfortable tops that are easy to pull up or down. Some women also find it helpful to have a couple of nursing-friendly dresses on hand for a dressier option.

Another thing to keep in mind is that you will likely still be bleeding for a few weeks, so having a few pairs of comfortable and absorbent underwear or postpartum pads on hand is a good idea.

I had two unplanned C-sections, and had some trouble with getting out of bed for the first few weeks. A belly compression wrap was really comforting and helped me feel secure as I was moving around and healing.

Remember, the key to preparing your wardrobe for the first few weeks postpartum is to prioritize comfort and practicality. By doing so, you can focus on bonding with your new baby without worrying about your clothing or physical discomfort!

Which of these tips are you going to do first? Did you learn something new today? Let me know in the comments!

I hope reading A Quick Guide to Prepping Your Home for Your Newborn has given you some solid tips to help you feel more prepared to bring your baby home!

If you are looking for a Virginia Beach maternity or newborn photographer, please check out my portfolio!